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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Bayer thrashed Salzburg 5-0</li><li>Wirtz scored two on the night</li><li>Matched Messi's European record</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Florian Wirtz emulates the GOAT! Bayer Leverkusen sensation matches Lionel Messi European record in stellar Champions League display against Red Bull Salzburg

<p>Wirtz delivered an extraordinary performance on Tuesday, steering Leverkusen to a commanding 5-0 triumph over Salzburg. The young attacking midfielder netted two goals, playing a pivotal role in his team’s success. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>With his brace against Salzburg, Wirtz matched Lionel Messi’s tally of 17 European goals scored before turning 22. This rare feat places the 21-year-old German prodigy in the same league as one of football’s all-time greats.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">European goals aged 21...<br><br>Florian Wirtz: 1️⃣7️⃣<br>Lionel Messi: 1️⃣7️⃣<br><br>Game recognize game 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/NneV6SVXGu">pic.twitter.com/NneV6SVXGu</a></p>— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/bayer04_en/status/1861848465996984778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Wirtz has never <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/barcelona-liverpool-wirtz-messi-shirt-havertz-comparisons-playing-abroad/blt06c1e3f222134f03" target="_blank">hidden his admiration for Messi. </a>Speaking to <em>Sky Sports Germany</em>, the midfielder shared insights into his early inspirations. “I had posters of Messi, Ousmane Dembele, and Aubameyang on my wall,” Wirtz revealed. “My first jersey, however, was Messi's Argentina jersey."When I was little, he was the best player there was at the time in the world. I watched videos of him, was a fan of his - I wanted to be as good as him."Of course, I've developed my own style in the meantime. [But] nobody can play like Messi - he has his own way of playing. Sometimes I watch more specifically how he solves situations."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Wirtz will be back in action against Union Berlin on Saturday in a Bundesliga fixture. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ?

Florian Wirtz emulates the GOAT! Bayer Leverkusen sensation matches Lionel Messi European record in stellar Champions League display against Red Bull Salzburg | Goal.com

Florian Wirtz matched Lionel Messi&apos;s European goal tally after a stellar Champions League display against Red Bull Salzburg.